180 degree views with 2 projectors

[OmniAtlas]

Can't find a lot of information on this online -- usually its with 3 projectors for more then 180 degree views. Has anyone attempted this, and can they comment on their success/failure?

Thanks.

[blueskydriver]

Don't think it's possible because each proj. would have to show 90 degree each, and that requires a lot of proj. to screen distance. Even if front or rear projection, the screen size would have to be over 15 each on the horizontal plane. Why? Because a 3 proj. will cover about 10 feet each and that is with ultra short throw models, with standard you will not get that size from each one. So, now remove one and the other two would have to make up the distance of the missing 10 feet.

You could settle for less and have the back windows of the sim covered for two proj. setup, but since you didnt state what type of aircraft or sim you have, I cannot say for sure on the back windows...

BSD

[NedHamilton]

I don't see why it can't be done theoretically. If 3 projectors can do say, 210 degrees easily, thats 70 degrees per projector. To go to 90 degrees per projector isn't that much of a stretch.

Don't give up trying to find a solution. It would make lots of us happy.

[OmniAtlas]

I think I remember reading Bwthawne (sp?) from NTHUSIM fame had setup a 180 degree visual with 2 projectors, but I can't seem to find his online posts again.

I'm aiming to setup 2 projectors with 2 graphics card without the need for TH2GO, I don't even know if this is remotely possible. I will be using FSX -- I know WindowMaker is available -- its a great tool.

[blueskydriver]

I must admit my basis is on using a curved screen which is 30 feet in length. I use short throws and have a 7.8 throw distance to get 210; it's still not enough to not see edges, even it is past back windows. I did not say you cannot do 2 proj. setup to get 180, I am just saying you need a lot of room for throw distance and most times the top of the cockpit gets in the way. Still, I don't know your aircraft type, so if the roof or top is low, you could pull it off...

BSD

[AVIATor-Olav]

I'm planning a 180 deg visual setup using two Benq MW811ST projectors. Not sure if I'll manage quite 180 deg, but it will be close. The MW811ST has a throw ratio of 0,49 with aspect ratio 16:10. That results in a FOV of 91 deg pr. projector. My curved screen has a radius of 1,5m

[blueskydriver]

Looking at a throw calculator for BenQ, is the first thing I would do. At 1.5 m or 4.5 feet you will get 68inches top to bottom, 128inches diagonal, and 109inches horizontal. So, it is the 109 inches you're concerned about mainly, as that is 11 inches shy of 10 feet, now times that by 2 and you're lacking 22 inches or 1 foot 10 inches, which means you're covering 18 feet 2 inches. However, you have to subtract more if you plan to edge blend and that can be 10-20%; unless, you edge butt, but that leaves a line directly center of your view.

Again, I am not saying it cannot be done, I am just saying there will be limitations such as those I mentioned. I certainly do not want to discourage you either, I am just trying to suggest that you have a plan B if 2 projectors don't work. Additionally, I think some guys have tried and realized the limits of it, so that is why 3 seems to be the norm...

If you get it to work, post pics because I'd like to see it done. Oh, you can figure things out more by using a projector calculator here:

Projectorcalculator.com (http://www.projectorcalculator.com)

Best Regards,

BSD

[OmniAtlas]

Hey all, thanks for all the tips and links -- I was wondering if this was even remotely possible --

180 degrees with one projector -- I found this link and it seems to work pretty well, but with the side intensity greatly being diminished. http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/projector-solutions/19989-180-degree-fov-one-single-projector.html

180 degree fov with one single projector - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqyhV2iJZhY&noredirect=1)

I ask because I'm planning to setup a single seat trainer (Jetmax, 2/3 MIP) -- so the width should be less allowing for more wrap around in a limited amount of space.

Has anyone else experimented 180 degrees with one projector?

[OmniAtlas]

Found this link -- Multi-Projector Screen Design and Use - Forum (http://en.spaceengine.org/forum/11-491-1) informative. Didn't know the Optoma GT720 were going for so cheap? You can get one on ebay for ~ $300

[OmniAtlas]

Found the thread! 3 Projector Build | Widescreen Gaming Forum (http://www.wsgf.org/forum/forums/multi-monitor-gaming/projector-discussions/19335/3-projector-build)

2 Projector build, 180 degree warp with the Optoma GT720. Perfect!

[OmniAtlas]

2 projector setup with xplane. Beautiful.

Cessna flightsim with 180 degrees visuals - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mEpbgSBz4c&list=PL5AD6478797E86393&index=28)